Freedom of expression is protected on the first page of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (section 2) to ensure that every person's thoughts, beliefs, and opinions can be expressed, regardless of how favourable, meaningful, controversial, unpopular, distasteful, or offensive they may be. These protections, which are the primary building blocks of a psychologically healthy society, are essential to open and honest discourse that fosters progress while also embracing cultural diversity, human solidarity and dignity, and critical thinking for the impartial consideration and skeptical examination of ideas for their merits.

1. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the rights and freedoms set out in it subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.

Fundamental freedoms

2. Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:

freedom of conscience and religion;

freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;